As an entrepreneur, I recognize that my success as a mortgage broker and a community partner is directly related to the health of the community that I work and live in. That’s why I am committed to a number of Ottawa Charities.

I think one of the greatest things I have witnessed in my profession is when a client learns of some of my charitable work, and then shares their very personal story of how they benefited from the work of that charity in the past. This enforces my belief that giving back to my community truly makes a difference, especially when that person is in front of me, applying for a mortgage. I get to see their lives go in a positive direction. What a wonderful feeling

Although there are a number of worthy causes in our Nation’s Capital, there are three charities that really speak to me.

Cornerstone Housing for Women

Cornerstone provides emergency shelter and supportive housing for a diversity of women. Their services are offered in an environment which promotes dignity and a sense of hope. They are committed to public education and advocacy, and strive to increase safe, affordable housing and to end homelessness.

To learn more about Cornerstone visit their website: www.cornerstonewomen.ca. Check out the video footage from Jacquie’s last fundraiser for Cornerstone: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cK3rQ2qmEcA

Canadian Red Cross

The Canadian Red Cross mission is to improve the lives of vulnerable people by mobilizing the power of humanity in Canada and around the world. The Canadian Red Cross is the leading humanitarian organization through which people voluntarily demonstrate their caring for others in need.

To learn more about the Canadian Red Cross visit their website: www.redcross.ca

The Christopher Leadership Course of Ottawa

The Christopher Leadership Course provides a welcoming and supportive environment where students build strong leadership skills and learn to overcome the fear of public speaking. The course is a powerful asset and confidence-builder for anyone, but it is tailored for people in transition, from school into the workforce, from another country into Canada, or from one career to another.

To learn more about the Christopher Leadership Course visit their website: www.clcottawa.com

Bruce House

Founded in 1988, Bruce House is a community-based organization providing housing, compassionate care and support in Ottawa for people living with HIV and AIDS, based on the belief that everyone has the right to live and die with dignity.

We achieve our mandate in part through our House Program for people living with HIV/AIDS (PHAs) who require high levels of care and support and through our Independent Living Program, which provides rent-geared-to-income housing units and apartments for PHAs, along with support such as counselling, coaching and family support, as required.

Jacquie was approved to sit on the board of directors at The Bruce House.

In the Photo to the right is Paul Taylor, past VP on the board of Bruce House. You can find out more about Bruce House on their website www.brucehouse.org

Giving Tree

Each year Jacquie Bushell holds a holiday event called the Giving Tree where each person who attends brings a gift card in a small denomination to support a local charity.

Each of the amazing charities above inspire me in so many different ways. I encourage everyone to find a community cause that inspires them. I believe I receive so much more back than I give. If you have any questions about the charities I suppose, please contact me.